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Safe House of Southeast Mo. announces new executive director

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 1:38 GMT by KFVS12
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Knoxville, MO – October 30, 2025 – Safe House Southeast Missouri, the region’s leading provider of crisis services for survivors of domestic violence, announced today that Ms. Elizabeth “Liz” Harper has been appointed as the organization’s new Executive Director. Harper brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, crisis intervention, and community advocacy to the role, having previously served as Program Manager for the Kansas City Women’s Shelter and as the Director of Outreach for the Greater St. Louis Family Violence Prevention Initiative.

Harper, a lifelong resident of Southeast Missouri, was selected by the Safe House Board of Directors after an extensive search and a rigorous interview process that included community stakeholders, former clients, and staff. In a statement released by the Board, Chairwoman Maria Sanchez expressed confidence that Harper’s “vision and dedication to empowering survivors” will help the organization continue to grow and strengthen its impact.

“We are thrilled to welcome Liz to the Safe House family,” Sanchez said. “Her experience and passion for social justice align perfectly with our mission to provide a safe, supportive environment for survivors of domestic violence. We look forward to working together to expand our services and reach more individuals in need.”

A Legacy of Service

Safe House Southeast Missouri was founded in 2002 by a group of community leaders who recognized the urgent need for a dedicated safe haven for women and children fleeing violent homes. Over the past two decades, the organization has expanded from a single emergency shelter in Cape Girardeau to a multi-facility program that offers 24‑hour shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and aftercare support. The organization’s current facilities include:

• Cape Girardeau Safe House – a 40‑bed facility that serves families across the Cape Girardeau and Sikeston regions.
• St. Louis Women’s Crisis Center – a 25‑bed unit that specializes in long‑term transitional housing and vocational training.
• Southeast Missouri Emergency Response Team – a 24/7 hotline that coordinates immediate response services and provides tele‑counseling for those in crisis.

In addition to providing housing and direct services, Safe House has also been instrumental in community education, hosting workshops on domestic violence prevention, healthy relationship building, and legal rights for survivors. The organization has secured funding from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, and a range of private foundations and individual donors.

Harper’s Vision for the Future

In her inaugural press conference, Harper outlined a three‑point strategy to further Safe House’s mission:

1. Expanding Shelter Capacity: Harper plans to increase the Cape Girardeau shelter’s capacity by 20% by 2027, enabling the organization to accommodate a growing number of survivors, particularly during periods of high demand such as the holiday season. She cited a partnership with the local government to secure additional funding and land for a new expansion project that will include a community resource center.

2. Enhancing Trauma‑Informed Care: Harper will implement a comprehensive training program for all staff and volunteers that focuses on trauma‑informed practices, cultural competency, and evidence‑based therapeutic interventions. The training will be designed in collaboration with the University of Missouri’s School of Social Work, ensuring that Safe House staff are equipped with the latest research and best practices.

3. Strengthening Community Partnerships: Recognizing that sustainable change requires a multi‑sector approach, Harper intends to deepen collaborations with local law enforcement, healthcare providers, and faith‑based organizations. A new “Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force” will be convened to share resources, conduct joint trainings, and streamline referrals between agencies.

“I am excited to lead an organization that has done so much for our community,” Harper said. “Our work is never finished. With the support of our Board, staff, and partners, we will continue to adapt, grow, and provide a lifeline for those who need it most.”

Community Reaction

Local residents and advocacy groups have praised the decision. Maria Torres, director of the Southeast Missouri Women’s Advocacy Coalition, said, “Liz is exactly the kind of leader who understands the challenges our survivors face and the systemic barriers that must be dismantled. We look forward to working with Safe House under her guidance.”

A spokesperson for the Cape Girardeau Police Department echoed this sentiment, stating that the department will increase its coordination with Safe House to ensure that police responses to domestic violence calls are both swift and sensitive to survivors’ needs.

Looking Ahead

Safe House’s next major initiative is the launch of a “Digital Safe Space” platform, an online portal designed to provide confidential counseling, legal resources, and a community forum for survivors. The platform will be developed in partnership with local technology firms and is slated for rollout in early 2026.

The organization will celebrate Harper’s appointment with a community luncheon on November 12, 2025, at the Cape Girardeau Convention Center. All stakeholders—including survivors, volunteers, donors, and partners—are invited to join the celebration and discuss the road ahead.

About Safe House Southeast Missouri

Safe House Southeast Missouri is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that provides emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and aftercare services to survivors of domestic violence and their children. Founded in 2002, Safe House has served more than 8,000 survivors nationwide and continues to expand its reach through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and innovative programming.

For more information about Safe House Southeast Missouri, its services, and how to donate or volunteer, visit the organization’s website at https://www.safehousesoutheastmo.org or call (573) 555‑0198.